Community News

LONG BEACH : Headmistress Gets Fine, Probation for Spanking

The founder of a private school for girls has been placed on probation for a year and fined $100 for spanking a former student at a birthday party.

Julia Margaux, founder and headmistress of the Chrysalis School for Girls, pleaded guilty Monday in Long Beach Municipal Court to disturbing the peace. Judge Gary Ferrari dismissed a misdemeanor battery charge in exchange for the guilty plea, said Ron Brodsky, deputy city prosecutor. Margaux also agreed not to contact the former student or her mother, Brodsky said. Margaux said Tuesday that she pleaded guilty to avoid a trial. She said she spanked the child because the girl was being incorrigible at the Aug. 20 party. She contends the incident was blown out of proportion.